Three things I really rather like

They made a nice afternoon "tea" :)

 

This was my grandparents coffee pot.

I keep it on the mantlepiece in my dining room.

I like the combination of the dark wood, the pink wall, the silvery pot.

I'm not sure I've ever used it for coffee, I doubt I will.

 

For anyone who cares about their desk. And their coffee.

I found this chocolate at the Co-op. I know its not supposed to be cool to shop at the Co-op but actually if you are a fan of fairtrade and also of local foods they are actually very committed to both these things. Much more so that pretty much any other supermarket.

This chocolate is dark, has a nice smooth texture. The orange spicing is mild and subtle and balances well with the chocolate. Naturally I like it best with a cup of coffee.

Best of all its sensibly priced at just over a £1 a bar. You can't say fairer than that.

This week I've been trying out a new office. I really like it. Its central. Its good for meetings. Its got nice Scandinavian decor with clean lines. There's a great catering facility and wifi. I love the quirky cups. The coffee is from Monmouth Street Coffee.

Yesterday on Twitter I was talking coffee with various people. I quite often talk coffee as it's an important part of my day. I don't drink gallons of the stuff but I do like to have one or two really great cups a day.

We were talking coffee machines and several people were surprised that I didn't have a fancy machine like you see in a cafe. Well, thats mostly because I don't have enough work surface for all the gadgets I'd like, so a coffee machine has never made the cut so far. Instead I use a cafetiere or this little beauty, a Bialetti Moka Espress, it's such an iconic design and it makes great strong coffee. I think I'd quite like a variety of sizes...

For the record I take my coffee black, strong and unsweetened.

Want one? Get them here: http://www.johnlewis.com/230134058/Product.aspx

Or admire all the possibilities here: http://www.bialetti.it/uk/catalogue/scheda.asp?id_cat=24

Last week I spotted that some random semi academic bloke claimed that there was such a date as Blue Monday, the day of the year when we all apparently feel at out most glum. He has a formula to calculate the date (which always seems to be in January). His formula must be flawed because Wikipedia are claiming its today (25 January) but the Daily Telegraph said it was last Monday (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/wellbeing/6995281/How-to-beat-Blue-Monday.h....

Regardless of when it is some days feel a shade more blue than others. So to chase away any Monday blues I'll be drinking coffee from one of my favourite mugs.

Because life's simple pleasures are worth celebrating.

If you want a mug like this then here's where you need to be: http://www.emmabridgewater.co.uk/Black-Toast/Black-Toast-Happiness-12-Pint-Mu...

Pssst there's a version for tea drinkers to :))